Classroom Resource

How Do Computer Programs Use Variables?

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

Overview

Computer programs use variables to store information.

Variables could be used to store the score in a game, the number of cars in a car park or the cost of items on a till. They work in a similar way to algebra, where a letter in your code can stand for a number.

Through informational text and video, students will explore many ways computers use variables.

Content Standards

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 5

DLCS18.5.7
Identify variables.

Unpacked Content

Vocabulary

variable

Knowledge

Students know:

a variable is a factor in a program or problem that is likely to change.
how to identify variables.

Skills

Students are able to:

identify variables.

Understanding

Students understand that:

variables are a part of an algorithm or problem that are likely to change.

Interdisciplinary Connection(s)

Link to Resource

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/articles/zw3dwmn

Content Type / Source

CR Resource Type

Informational Material

Resource Provider

BBC

Accessibility

Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings

License

License Type

Custom

Custom License Type (URL)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/terms/

Approved Date

2019-07-02

Curated by

Design by Adaptive Theme

Learning Resource Type